Local union, firemen donate bikes to kids. (damn thugs!)

The International Longshore Workers Union Local 4 collects new bikes to give to needy children for the holidays.

By The Columbian

Vancouver firefighters and the International Longshore Worker's Union Local 4 donated new bikes and helmets to 129 needy children for the holidays. The Children's Justice Center partnered with the two groups to help identify children in families who cannot afford to buy a bike, according to a bulletin from the Vancouver Police Department.

The longshore workers assembled the bikes and tested them for safety while the firefighters made sure all the bikes came with a helmet.

"These gifts are especially important because many of the children involved with CJC are living in foster care or have been placed with relatives who do not have the means to provide this kind of gift. Their generosity will make a big difference for all of those children this Christmas morning. This kind of thoughtfulness builds and strengthens a community for children," said Mary Blanchette, executive director of the Children's Justice Center, in the bulletin.